Did you know that aloe vera is one of the best natural ingredients for skin and hair? It’s packed full of vitamins and minerals and has a lot of great benefits. We’ll talk about why and how to use it.
Topics in this Post
What is Aloe Vera?
Before we get into the beauty uses of aloe vera, we need to talk about what it is and how you can get one.
If you don’t know much about aloe vera, it’s a succulent plant native to Africa, that stores water in its thick leaves, stems, or roots. Surprisingly, the leaves contain water along with a gelatinous (gel) liquid, also known as aloe sap or aloe root. These leaves provide nutrients to the other parts of the plant, which contain over 75 different compounds including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and polysaccharides. No wonder it’s a gem for beauty treatments!
How Can Aloe Vera Be Used?
It can be used to make your hair grow longer and thicker, moisturize your skin and even make you smell better. It’s a commonly used ingredient in herbal dietary supplements and lotions for skin care. It has been growing in popularity on social media for all the many beauty benefits it can give you.
Aloe Vera plants thrive in desert climates and are mainly found in dry, sunny areas.
Why Use Aloe Vera for Hair and Skin?
Aloe vera is one of the most widely used plants for beauty. It’s easily accessible — you can find it potted in its succulent form near its bottled form in major stores like CVS. It’s able to trap water and is a great moisturizer, though it can do much more than moisturize. With vitamins C and E, it can heal the skin, as well as improve collagen production, prevent infection, treat acne, and much more.
Since our scalps are basically a hair-covered extension of our facial skin, aloe gives a lot of the same benefits as it does for our other skin. By assisting in the removal of dead skin cells, painful itching can be reduced, and aloe helps to soothe a scalp that has been affected by dandruff. The active components in aloe vera can also help with cell renewal, which strengthens and restores hair strands, keeping the hair smooth and shiny.
Important to Know:
Aloe vera is best topically. It’s strongly advised to keep it away from pets. Neither humans nor pets should eat or drink the gel inside it before it has been carefully processed. It may even be very harmful in higher doses if consumed straight from the plant and could make you really sick by making you nauseated or giving you indigestion.
Where Do I Buy It?
You can get aloe vera at your nearest garden center, or stores like Lowe’s. You can even take a stab at growing your own, which is the best way to be sure you never run out. It’s much more simple, as a beginner, to buy a plant that has already been started and continue to grow it and replant more as you go, rather than start from a seedling.
Having one at home will allow you to just cut into it when you are ready to use it.
If you can’t or aren’t up to doing that, you can buy 99% Pure Organic Aloe Vera Gel here already prepared and bottled.
Taking Care of Aloe Vera
An aloe vera plant does very well indoors best on a bright windowsill or shelf. A little direct sunlight is okay, but too much will cause the leaves to burn.
Here’s a detailed article from Almanac with lots of information all about planting, growing, and caring for aloe vera plants: Read It Here.
The Best in Beauty: 13+ Simple Aloe Vera Recipes
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my links, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
HOW TO USE ALOE VERA FOR HAIR
1. Shampoo
Putting together your own Aloe Vera Shampoo will give you the highest quality benefits to your hair, and will also be less expensive per use.
Even though people may assume that homemade haircare won’t work as well as commercial-made, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Actually, the freshest aloe vera gel has the most benefits.
And, if you don’t have a large enough aloe vera plant yet, you can always buy organic aloe vera gel to use in this recipe.
To get the most precise measurements, using a food scale will help to switch between milliliters and ounces easily.
Aloe Vera Shampoo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups distilled water
- 2 oz dried herbs (see suggestions below)
- 6 oz liquid castile soap
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- ½ teaspoon jojoba oil (omit for oily hair)
- 40-50 drops of essential oil (see suggestions below)
Suggested Herbs
Using no more than about two ounces, any combination of the following herbs will be fine to use.
- Dry hair: Nettle, burdock, rosemary, or calendula.
- Oily hair: Yarrow, lavender, lemon balm, or mint.
- Blond hair: Calendula or chamomile.
- Dark hair. Sage or comfrey.
- Dandruff. Rosemary, thyme, or any of the herbs for dry hair.
Suggested Essential Oils
Use any combination of the following essential oils for your hair type, not exceeding more than about 50 drops total, or 2.5 mL (milliliters).
Example using the “normal hair” oils: 0.83 mL each of lavender, clary sage, or chamomile essential oils.
- Normal hair. Lavender, clary sage, or chamomile.
- Oily hair. Lemon, tea tree, or ylang-ylang.
- Dry hair. Rosemary, myrrh, or peppermint.
- Dandruff. Tea tree, patchouli, or lavender.
Directions:
- Bring the distilled water to a boil, and then add the herbs. Cover, reduce heat to low. Steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, strain the spent herbs from the liquid and discard.
- Add the castile soap to the herbal water slowly, mixing gently as you pour.
- Add the aloe vera gel, jojoba, and essential oils. Mix them well.
- Pour the aloe vera shampoo into a plastic squeeze bottle.
How to Use:
Use as needed, and shake gently before each use. If you have dry hair, shampoo no more than three times per week.
Storing Your Aloe Shampoo
For the best results, keep a small bottle of this shampoo in the shower (enough for 1 to 2 days at a time), and store the remainder in a larger bottle in the refrigerator.
If you omit the dry herbs, and just use plain water instead of making an infusion, you can store the entire bottle in the shower. If you make the shampoo with the herbs as directed above, however, the mixture will go rancid if left out at room temperature for more than a couple of days. In the refrigerator, the shampoo will last about 10 days.
If it smells pleasant, it is still good. If it has a sour smell, toss it out and make a new batch.
2. Conditioner
Make your own leave-in conditioner at home to put on your hair after you shampoo. For people who need extra-strong moisture and have hair that is extremely dry and damaged, this is especially helpful.
Aloe Vera DIY Leave-In Conditioner
What it Does:
- Helps repair overly styled and damaged hair.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of aloe vera, 3 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil.
- Stir the mixture until it’s evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.
- Thoroughly shake the spray bottle before use.
- On damp hair, spritz the mixture all over, evenly distributing the tincture.
- Comb through.
- Style hair as usual.
How to Use:
On damp hair, spritz the mixture all over, evenly distributing the conditioner. Comb through and style hair as usual.
3. After-Wash Cleansing Rinse
Use a nourishing aloe vera hair rinse to show your hair some love.After shampooing and conditioning, or in place of both on a day when you don’t shampoo, you can apply this hair rinse. Whichever day you use it, it’s the last step, and there’s no need to rinse it out afterward.
You should use the juice of aloe vera as a hair rinse, not the gel. The gel from aloe vera and its juice function in different ways. Aloe vera gel has thickening elements that control frizz by gently toughening hair. Aloe vera juice, however, will bind hair cuticles, boost curly or wavy hair, and improve its sheen without stiffness. Just make sure you buy pure aloe vera juice and not the kind that’s made for drinking with added sugars.
Aloe Vera After-Wash Hair Rinse Recipe
What it Does:
- Deep cleans oily hair and adds volume.
- Cleanses and soothes an irritated scalp.
- Strengthens and repairs hair.
- Encourages hair growth.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup aloe vera juice
- ½ cup purified or distilled water
- ¼ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- ½ teaspoon castor oil
- 6 drops rosemary essential oil
- 4 drops juniper essential oil
- 2 drops geranium essential oil
- 1 airtight 8-ounce bottle
Directions:
- In a glass measuring cup, add 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice and 1/2 cup of water.
- Using a whisk, combine the ingredients until a smooth liquid is produced.
- Next, combine the aloe vera mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of castor oil and 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
- Lastly, whisk in 6 drops of rosemary, 4 drops of juniper, and 2 drops of geranium essential oils.
- Using an 8-ounce jar or bottle, fill it with the aloe vera hair rinse. A bottle with a pump works well.
How to Use:
After brushing out tangles and prepping your hair, apply shampoo to wet hair in the shower. Lather, and rinse out.
After shampooing, apply a conditioner to your hair. Start at the roots and work your way up, but avoid your scalp.
Leave the conditioner on for at least 5 minutes, then rinse it out.
Shake the aloe vera hair rinse and gently pour over your hair.
Gently squeeze out the excess liquid from your hair, and you’re done.
Use once or twice a week.
4. Heat Protectant
Apply to your hair before going out in the sun or before applying heat with tools like a curling iron.
Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil Recipe
What it Does:
- Protects hair from heat styling.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil (virgin coconut oil at room temperature)
Directions:
- Combine aloe vera gel with coconut oil to a bowl. Stir together with a fork or spoon until a smooth paste is formed.
How to Use:
Put a towel around your neck to protect your clothing.
Divide long hair into sections.
Start applying the mask from mid-shafts towards the hair tips. Make sure to coat your hair properly with the mask.
Then you go back to the scalp and start gently applying it while slowly massaging it with your fingertips. Make sure you do not scratch your scalp especially if you are applying the mask to treat dandruff.
After applying the mask take a wide-toothed comb to untangle your hair. This will also help the mask to spread evenly.
Cover your head with a shower cap, plastic wrap, or towel so that it keeps your hair from drying out. This is comfortable also as the mask won’t drip.
You can leave the mask from 30 minutes to 60 minutes depending on the hair type and need.
Rinse off the mask making sure to wash aloe vera completely out of your hairs.
Use it once a week for boosting your hair health.
5. No More Oil
Aloe is effective at getting rid of excess sebum and impurities, yet it’s gentle enough to not cause damage to your hair follicles.
Aloe Vera Oily Hair Mask Recipe
What it Does:
- Cleanses excessive oil buildup.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel
- A few drops of fresh lemon juice, or lemon essential oil
Directions:
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl.
- Mix together until combined.
How to Use:
Apply the mixture to damp hair including the scalp, using your fingers or a silicone brush.
Put on a shower cap.
Leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Shampoo as usual.
6. Pre-Shampoo Scalp Cleanser
Similar to oily hair, aloe vera effectively removes excess sebum oil and product buildup by cleaning every hair follicle. Aloe vera does not entirely eliminate your natural hair oils, which are actually necessary for a healthy scalp and hair.
Compared to other clarifying haircare products on the market, aloe is soothing and cooling on the scalp. And delicate enough to get rid of the buildup without irritating your scalp or harming your hair.
Aloe Vera Scalp Cleanser Recipe
What it Does:
- Cleanses excessive oil buildup.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoonsaloe vera gel
- 1/2 teaspoonargan oil
- 1 teaspooncastor oil
- 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 2-ounce jar
Directions:
- Add 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, ½ teaspoon argan oil, and 1 teaspoon castor oil to a small bowl.
- Add 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 2 drops of rosemary essential oil to the aloe vera and oil mixture.
- With a fork or whisk, mix together. (Note: If you’re using fresh aloe vera directly from the leaf, you may get a better consistency with a hand mixer.)
- Store the aloe vera scalp cleanser in a small, airtight jar until use.
How to Use:
Use theAloe Vera Scalp Cleanser as a pre-shampoo treatment. Begin by using a quarter-size amount, and massage it onto your scalp. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
If your hair feels dry or seems frizzy, apply this DIY scalp cleanserthroughout the strands of your hair as well. After twisting or braiding your hair put it up in a bun, and allow the mask to work.
After washing off the scalp cleanser, shampoo as usual. You’ll be left with silky, healthy hair, and a clean fresh scalp.
7. Hair Growth Thickener
You’ll want to use this Thickening Hair Recipe if you notice that your hair isn’t growing as quickly or has slowed down.
It’s common for problems with hair growth to be caused by product buildup or a nutritional deficiency. Although, you should always consult your doctor for professional medical advice.
One of the key herbs used in this recipe is Fenugreek. Not only is it perfect for minimizing breakage and shedding, but also this herb also encourages longer, thicker hair. This is because it’s made of flavonoids and saponins, which is what makes it possible to promote hair growth.
It’s rich in iron and protein to strengthen and nourish the hair. Along with cleansing properties that work to eliminate product residue from the hair follicles.
Overnight Aloe Vera Thickening Hair Recipe
What it Does:
- Promotes hair growth.
- Minimizes breakage and hair fallout.
- Strengthens and nourishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of Fenugreek Powder
- 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
Directions:
- Add all ingredients together.
- Mix well.
How to Use:
Use an hour before washing your hair, or overnight.
Apply on the scalp and through your hair. Massage the mixture thoroughly for a few minutes.
Lastly, apply a conditioner to your hair so the mask will soften and make it easier to remove. Rinse well and style hair as normal.
HOW TO USE ALOE VERA FOR SKIN
FOR THE FACE:
8. Moisturizer
Since our skin is a major detoxifying part of our body, what we put on our skin is absorbed by our bodies and affects how it functions. This recipe is great for your skin because of all the beneficial ingredients in it.
Coconut oil is a natural emollient and antimicrobial. Lavender essential oil calms and nourishes all skin types. Jojoba oil has vital vitamins and minerals to keep the skin looking healthy. And, aloe vera gel is a natural humectant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory for the skin.
Aloe Vera Moisturizing Face Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 cupaloe vera gel
- 1/2 cupcoconut oil
- 2 tablespoonsjojoba oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoonsolive oil pastilles
- 5 to 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 oz airtight glass jar or container
Directions:
- Into a prepared 2.5 quart double boiler, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil pastilles, 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil, and 1/2 cup of coconut oil. (If you don’t have a double boiler, use a glass or metal bowl placed over a pot of hot water.)
- Stir constantly, until heated and melted.
- Allow the mixture to cool for one to one and half hours, or put it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
- After cooling, gradually stir in 1 cup of aloe vera gel with a hand mixer or immersion blender. Blend up until frothy and light.
- Lastly, add 5-8 drops of lavender essential oil, then blend once again.
- Store the face cream in a 5-ounce glass jar. Store a small amount in the bathroom for use and the rest of the cream in the fridge for extended shelf life.
How to Use:
You can use this cream every day, after cleansing the skin.
Lasts 3-4 months.
9. Sensitive Skin Care
With this gentle but powerful combination, you can reap the benefits of the calming effects of aloe and the vitamin-rich components of bananas. Bananas’ potassium and vitamin C brighten skin, and aloe offers a thick coating of moisture to keep nutrients in. This recipe also doubles as a hair mask.
Aloe Vera and Banana Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/4 large banana
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
Directions:
- Mash 1/4 of a large banana in a bowl with a fork, then stir in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel until fully mixed.
How to Use:
Apply generously to your face.
Let it sit for 10-30 minutes.
Wipe or rinse off.
10. Acne Treatment
Natural antibacterial agents can be found in aloe vera gel. It can thus be used topically to treat acne, eliminate the bacteria that causes it and minimize the redness that accompanies breakouts.
Aloe Vera and Banana Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 – 2 teaspoons rose water
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients to create a smooth paste.
How to Use:
Apply as a face mask.
Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Rinse with warm water.
Use up to three times a day.
11. Reduce Enlarged Pores
If you’re someone who’s prone to or naturally has larger pores, then aloe vera can help you to reduce your pores and make them less noticeable. By acting as an astringent, the gel will decongest pores, keeping excess sebum, bacteria, and dirt out. Afterward, your pores will appear smaller, and less susceptible to blackheads.
This DIY is simple, as you only need the aloe vera gel.
Aloe Vera Pore Reduction Face Mask
Ingredients:
How to Use:
Apply a layer of aloe vera gel to your face.
Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Additionally, you can also massage the gel into your skin in a circular motion.
Wash it off.
After washing, all the oil and dirt from your pores will be eliminated.
You can do this on a daily basis.
12. Natural Eye Makeup Remover
Remove your eyeliner, shadow, and mascara with natural ingredients. You won’t need to buy any more pre-made store products with this recipe.
Aloe Vera Eye Makeup Remover
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
- Mix1 tablespoon aloe vera gel and1 tablespoon olive oil together in a small bowl.
- Double or triple this recipe, and store in an airtight jar, squeeze bottle, or container.
How to Use:
Dab the remover onto a cotton pad.
Close one eye, and gently press the mixture onto your eyelid and eyelashes.
Repeat 2-3 more times if necessary.
Rinse and wipe off any excess.
FOR THE BODY:
13. Stretch Marks
Shea butter can strengthen the skin that has been scarred, minimize the redness of new stretch marks, and add extra UV protection. Almond oil hydrates the skin and improves its suppleness and flexibility. Aloe vera provides moisturization, which is needed to heal stretch marks.
Aloe Vera Stretch Marks Treatment
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
Directions:
- In a bowl, add two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of almond oil, and a tablespoon of shea butter.
- Mix the ingredients together to form a paste.
How to Use:
Apply evenly over all of your stretch marks.
Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse and clean off with water.
14. Shaving Gel
Making your own shaving gel is a quick and easy way to transform your bathroom into a more environmentally friendly space. Your skin will feel smooth to the touch after using this easy DIY recipe, and you can stop using that store-bought shaving cream full of harmful ingredients.
Note: Using fractionated coconut oil instead of ordinary coconut oil is used because regular coconut oil hardens as it cools down.
Aloe Vera Shaving Gel
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ofaloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon ofvitamin E oil
- 1 teaspoon ofvegetable glycerin
- 2 teaspoons offractionated coconut oil
- 10 drops of your favoriteessential oils(optional)
- Glass airtight container
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Gently mix until the aloe vera gel is incorporated and turns opaque.
- Add the essential oil drops of your favorite scent, if desired. Or, leave the gel unscented.
- In an airtight container, pour the mixture and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
How to Use:
When it’s time to shave, apply the gel on damp or wet skin.
Shave as usual with your safety razor (the best eco-friendly razor option).
15. Detox Scrub
For self-care or at-home spa days, you need this go-to body care recipe. Smooth, soft skin is what you’ll get from this aloe vera scrub as it hydrates your skin and retains moisture, especially for dry skin.
Glowing Detox Aloe Vera Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (you can also use coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, etc.)
- 1/4 cup brown (or white) sugar
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine together 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the mixture.
- Using a fork, stir together until the consistency is almost a smooth paste.
How to Use:
Make sure your skin is clean before using this scrub.
Wash and dry your skin with a towel, leaving it a bit damp.
Then, apply the scrub and exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells.
Rinse off first with warm water, and follow with cold water afterward to close pores.
You will notice your skin is smooth, and fine lines will diminish.
To finish, apply a light moisturizer.
Using Natural Beauty from Plants
Switching to organic beauty is the best option if you want to avoid toxic chemicals that are often found in other commercial beauty products. Even though there are lots of organic beauty brands with ethical practices, it’s still a good idea to learn how to use natural plants and herbs at home in their purest form.
Depending more on natural plants straight from the earth allows you to only put healthy alternatives on your skin and hair. Cutting out chemicals, preservatives, and artificial colors. It’s safer for your skin and is a better option for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Not only does organic beauty have more pure health benefits, but it’s also less expensive in the long run than conventional makeup, has healthier ingredients, has no harmful side effects, is better on the plant with little to no packaging involved, and there are no animal-derived ingredients. So, you can be cruelty-free and take care of yourself without hurting animals.
Conclusion
Aloe vera gel is the ultimate natural hair and beauty hack that can be used to fix many hair concerns and treat almost any skin condition.
Its primary benefit is that it can help heal rashes and even soothe sunburns.
Lastly, there are a number of ways in which you can use this medicinal plant to improve the health and appearance of your hair. As we know from experience, this little green blob packs an incredible punch when it comes to supporting the growth and strength of our tresses and is an absolute must for anyone looking for a natural alternative to harsh chemical-based treatments.
You might also like this Glowing Skin Turmeric and Cinnamon Face Scrub. Read it HERE.
Liked this post? Pin the image below to share it on Pinterest!
